INTERNATIONAL SESSION FOR LOCAL SUPERIORS

ROME, JULY-AUGUST 2008-09

 Seventeen Brothers coming from the all over the world accepted the invitation that the General Chapter of 2006 sent to the Brothers of the Institute: "Brothers, do you love me enough…" and gathered at the General House in Rome during the summer of 2008 to take part in an international session for local superiors. That session was held from July 10th to August 6th within a rich international environment, thanks to French, English and Spanish-speaking confreres.

 Bro. José Ignacio Carmona was the first speaker. He talked about the importance of establishing intimate bonds with God. Bro. Gaston Lavoie gave a brief account of the Acts of the Chapter of 2006. Bro. Marcel Gagnon presented the modifications brought to our Rule of Life. Those three members of the general administration were replaced by three contributors who conducted the session in turn.

 Bro. Xavier Werneth from the New Orleans Province narrated his experience as superior of a local community. Drawing his inspiration from the Rule of Life, the formation guide and his own experience, he talked to us about the things which those in charge live through. He went on about the relationship between the Brothers and the superior, the organization of a local community and the importance of community meetings for the smooth running of the house and also the sharing of our charisma with our collaborators.

 Bro. Roméo Bonsaint from the New England Province stressed the importance of the regular interview as a privileged tool for the animation of a local community. Thanks to his experience, he taught us techniques used in an interview making an important distinction between the interview and the support of our Brothers. The local superior who is willing to lend a sympathetic ear becomes a sign of the Lord's love for his Brothers.

 The last contributor was Bro. Francisco Javier Sáez de Maturana Municha who made us discover our Father's love for us day after day. Basing himself on biblical texts and using Power Point montages, he made us discover and understand God's many faces and the importance of meeting the Lord Jesus in prayers and events of life.

 Prayers celebrated within linguistic groups and well animated liturgies punctuated the session. Exchanges were held in small groups and plenary meetings to let everyone react, think and tell about his own experience.

 Visits included the San Gabriele sanctuary followed by an excursion in the mountains, Assisi, a guided tour of the excavations under Saint Peter's Basilica and a meal by the Brothers' swimming pool of dell'Imbrecciato street. The Brothers took time to explore the rich cultural heritage of what Rome has to offer. In short it was an unforgettable experience for all the participants. Many thanks to the organizers, Bros. Léon Lussier, Nelson Dionne amd Cristobal Calzado.

September, 11, 2008